Friday, February 5, 2010

The new Toyota Auris HYBRID 2010 engine range features a choice of three petrol and three diesel units offering the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive. Complemented by the Auris HSD’s full hybrid technology, this unique line-up will offer customers the most comprehensive range of powertrains in the C segment.While Toyota's European press department gave us only a pair of photos and no details whatsoever on the revised 2010 Auris pointing towards the Geneva Show for more information, the Japanese firm's UK arm announced the launch of facelifted model releasing pricing as well specifications.Furthermore, Toyota revealed that the sales of the British-built full hybrid Auris HSD that shares its gasoline-electric drivetrain with the Prius Hybrid will commence in July. We expect to see the production version of the Auris HSD making its world premiere at the Geneva Show in March.Toyota wants us to believe that Auris has been fully restyled on the outside, but fact is, we doubt that your average buyer will even notice the changes.These include a new deep front bumper, reshaped headlamps, revised grille and bonnet profile with stronger crease lines plus newly styled 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.The revised tail lamp clusters, the new rear bumper with extended corner sections and the integrated turn indicators on the door mirrors complete the exterior makeover.Inside, Toyota said (but did not show) that a soft-touch material has been introduced across the top of the instrument binnacle and around the glovebox, while the centre console has been revised with changes to the instrument design.

The new white illumination for the Optitron instrument dials and the new cloth upholstery designs round off the interior updates.Toyota added that the it has also fine-tuned the Auris' suspension and steering systems to improve driver feedback and handling.With the exception of the Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) that will go on sale in July, the are no changes to the rest of the engine range that comprises a 1.33-litre petrol engine with Toyota Stop & Start technology, a 1.6 Valvematic petrol with manual or MultiMode transmission and 1.4 D-4D diesel, again with manual gearbox or Multimode.In the UK, the revised Auris in three- and five-door body styles is on sale now with prices ranging from £14,463 to £16,495 - see detailed pricing in the list above.